Tradizioni - August, 2008
Dear IFAFA Members,
Over the past year, I assume all of you have read my letters, and have learned by now that I by no means run short of things to say! I usually try to touch on several topics within each letter, but this letter will be a little different. I’d like to focus on one very important topic – our annual IFAFA conference.
As all of you are aware, the IFAFA conference is right around the corner. This year, it will take place in the beautiful city of Sacramento – the capital of the great state of California. Balliamo!, a long-time member group of IFAFA, will be hosting the weekend events, which are scheduled to be held October 24th through the 26th.
Doris Beckert (IFAFA Board Member and director for Balliamo!) and her group have been working very hard over the past year to put on a unique and wonderful experience for all the participants. I encourage you to read her article contained in this copy of Tradizioni for information on all the fantastic workshops and events she and her group have planned.
I have strong hopes that I will see a very large turnout for this year’s event. IFAFA is in the middle of a deep transitional period, moving towards new goals and a new outlook, and I’m asking that everyone be a part of it! If money is an issue, I remind you of IFAFA’s Scholarship Program, which provides a $75 cash scholarship to any student under the age of 22 who takes part in the conference workshops.
Finally, I mentioned in my last letter to you that I all but secured a group from Italy by the name of DisCanto. Unfortunately, IFAFA simply did not have the necessary funds to support the logistics of such a contract. I am, however, now working with another group by the name of Newpoli, in an attempt to secure their group for a Friday night visit. More information on this to come.
As I said before, IFAFA is working through an exciting transition, investing in new ideas, and a fresh outlook on both the past, as well as the long road ahead. I sincerely hope you’ll join us in Sacramento, and help take part in this organization’s shift towards the future! I look forward to seeing all of you soon!
Mark DeSanctis
President
Italian Folk Art Federation of America